Hardcore Penn State Football

Hardcore Penn State Football

An underground, grass-roots, Penn State Football Podcast dedicated to providing its listeners with useful stats, intriguing stories, credible news, and unique interviews.

  1. May 1

    Ep. 218 | What's Going On

    Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast - Episode 149: Spring Ball Complete, Record 8 NFL Draft Picks, and the Recruiting Trail is BLAZING Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, your ultimate destination for raw Nittany Lions analysis, insider recruiting scoops, and no-holds-barred debate! In this episode – dropping April 30, 2026 – hosts Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane deliver the definitive spring wrap-up as Matt Campbell’s first full offseason comes to a close. We break down everything from the final practices and Blue-White Game takeaways, to Penn State tying a program record with 8 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the white-hot recruiting momentum that has the staff piling up commitments and offers left and right. If you’re a die-hard Lion, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for all spring! Spring ball is officially DONE after the Blue-White Game on April 25, and the energy in Happy Valley is electric! Cory and Shawn recap the biggest takeaways from 15 practices under head coach Matt Campbell: the intense running back competition, massive strides by the offensive line (thanks to all those Iowa State transfers), and a defense that looks night-and-day better under D’Anton Lynn. Cory breaks down what this spring means for the 2026 depth chart and which position groups still need a portal push before fall camp. Historic weekend in the NFL Draft for the Nittany Lions! Penn State tied the program record with EIGHT players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including multiple Day 2 picks and a single first-rounder. Shawn walks through every selection while Cory talks about the emotional send-off for standouts like Nick Singleton (Senior Bowl injury) and the defensive stars who cashed in big. We also discuss how Campbell’s player-development focus and the NIL-to-NFL pipeline are paying dividends and what this record draft says about the program’s trajectory. The staff is absolutely on FIRE! With spring evaluations wrapped, Penn State has gone ballistic on the recruiting trail. Cory details the latest commitments and flips that have the 2027 class climbing back into the national top 15, while Shawn spotlights the 2027 surge — including multiple five-star targets who visited recently and immediately received big-time offers. We cover key position needs being attacked (OL, EDGE, DB), how Campbell’s “family-first” pitch is landing with recruits, and the continued impact of the Iowa State pipeline on high-school targets. Plus, early buzz on potential 2028 names and how the spring performance is helping close top prospects right now. If you’re pumped about the Campbell era, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Drop your biggest spring takeaway or favorite new recruit in the comments — we read every single one and may shout you out next time. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

  2. Jan 29

    Ep. 217 | So It Begins

    Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, the go-to podcast for hardcore analysis, recruiting scoops, and unapologetic takes on the Nittany Lions! In this episode – dropping January 28, 2026 – hosts Shawn Kane and Cory Lestochi unpack a massive week in Happy Valley as the Matt Campbell era ramps up. We're diving into the freshly released 2026 Big Ten schedule, the transfer portal's chaotic close with key wins and losses, Beaver Stadium's transformation into a hockey haven, and the flurry of offers to the 2027 class following a pivotal visit weekend. From on-field projections to offseason buzz, this episode sets the stage for PSU's bounce-back year – don't miss it! The wait is over – the Big Ten drops the 2026 football slate, and Penn State's path looks primed for contention under Campbell! Shawn breaks down the full lineup: Non-con openers vs. Marshall (Sept. 5, home), at Temple (Sept. 12), and vs. Buffalo (Sept. 19, home); Big Ten kicks off with Wisconsin (Sept. 26, home - potential Stripeout), at Northwestern (Oct. 3), USC (Oct. 10, home - Whiteout candidate), at Michigan (Oct. 17), bye (Oct. 24), Purdue (Oct. 31, home), at Washington (Nov. 7), Minnesota (Nov. 14, home), at Rutgers (Nov. 21), and Maryland (Nov. 28, home). Cory analyzes tough road tests (Michigan, Washington) vs. favorable home draws, early win projections (9-3 floor?), and how Campbell's schemes exploit matchups. We debate fan themes, travel logistics, and playoff implications in the expanded CFP era. The winter portal slammed shut on January 16, capping a wild rebuild for PSU with over 40 departures but a massive influx of talent – including 39 transfers and 11 high school signees for over 50 newcomers! Cory spotlights additions like edge rusher Elijah Reeder (late 2026 signee from New Jersey), seven new defensive linemen for trench depth, and RB Cam Wallace's portal withdrawal for a return. Shawn covers losses like DE Chaz Coleman and QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, mixed grades (strong Iowa State pipeline but underwhelming elsewhere), early enrollees, and how this reshapes the roster for spring ball. We discuss NIL impacts, retention successes, and Big Ten comparisons. Happy Valley's iconic venue goes winter wonderland! Beaver Stadium hosts Penn State men's hockey vs. Michigan State on January 31 at 1 PM, with public skating kicking off today (Jan. 28) and women's hockey vs. Robert Morris the day before. Shawn shares the time-lapse of the ice rink setup, ticket info, and fan excitement for this historic outdoor clash. Cory discusses the games, weather prep, and how it boosts PSU's multi-sport vibe – plus, crossover appeal for football fans tailgating in the snow!   Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

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An underground, grass-roots, Penn State Football Podcast dedicated to providing its listeners with useful stats, intriguing stories, credible news, and unique interviews.

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